Make a baby - have a future

What alarming news out of Massachusetts today - 17 pregnant teen-aged girls at one high school.

Half of the pregnancies were intentional.

Even more alarming was the interview with the principal. His theory is that these girls don’t see any future for themselves, so they get pregnant so they will have something to do and feel important.

I feel for these girls, who don’t have the support to make better decisions for themselves.  When I listened to the Principal I had to wonder – isn’t it part of the schools’ job to help these girls find something to give their lives meaning?

I realize the school isn’t wholly responsible for these girls’ lives, but they do have the opportunity to help them see more for their futures, which can include parenting, but shouldn’t be the first thing on the list.

I worry that Jamie Lynn Spears and the movie Juno have glamorized teen pregnancy and make it seem like a reasonable life choice. Media makes it look so easy and when parents are able to give their girls what they need in terms of self esteem and sound decision making skills, it’s not surprising choosing to have a baby seems like a good idea.